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March 24, 2026
退休tuìxiū(tui4xiu1)
退休 (tui4 xiu1) refers to the process of leaving one's job or ceasing to work, typically due to reaching a certain age or after a long period of service. This term is commonly used when discussing retirement policies, pensions, and the lifestyle changes that accompany retirement.
Frequency#2661DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, retirement is often seen as a significant life transition, and many people look forward to it as a time to pursue hobbies or spend time with family. The government has policies regarding retirement ages that reflect societal values on work and family.
Memory Tip
Think of '退休' as 'tui' meaning 'to push away' (like pushing away work) and 'xiu' as 'to rest'. Imagine a tired worker pushing away their desk to finally rest and enjoy leisure time.
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AI Study Notes for 退休
Quick Contrast
退休 (tuìxiū) vs 离职 (lízhí) — use 退休 when referring specifically to retirement due to age or long service, while 离职 is for resigning from a job without the retirement context.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of '退休' as 'tui' meaning 'to push away' (like pushing away work) and 'xiu' as 'to rest'. Imagine a tired worker pushing away their desk to finally rest and enjoy leisure time.
Usage Notes
This term is primarily used in formal contexts, especially when discussing work-related matters. Common collocations include 退休金 (retirement pension) and 退休生活 (retirement life). Be mindful of the tone; mispronouncing the tones can change the meaning entirely.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 退休 connects with other vocabulary related to work and life transitions. Students should focus on understanding its usage in conversations about work and retirement planning.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, retirement is often seen as a significant life transition, and many people look forward to it as a time to pursue hobbies or spend time with family. The government has policies regarding retirement ages that reflect societal values on work and family.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 退休 with 休息 (to rest), mistakenly using '我退休了' (Wǒ tuìxiū le) in contexts that mean 'I am resting'. The correct usage would specify retirement, as in '我已经退休了' (I have already retired).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 退休
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Grammar Patterns of 退休
退休 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
There will be more work to do, not less. Bang goes the fantasy of retirement at
Cultural Notes for 退休
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, retirement is often seen as a significant life transition, and many people look forward to it as a time to pursue hobbies or spend time with family. The government has policies regarding retirement ages that reflect societal values on work and family.
Frequently Asked Questions about 退休
You can say '他已经退休了' (Tā yǐjīng tuìxiū le) which means 'He has already retired.'
The retirement age in China is generally 60 for men and 55 for women, though there are discussions about raising it.
While 退休 is more formal, it can be used in casual conversations when discussing someone's retirement.
